I want to live a long and healthy life

Debra Snipe’s 40th birthday was both a cele-bration and a wake-up call. Debra had been diagnosed as pre-hypertensive — meaning she was a likely candidate for high blood pressure. She was experiencing symptoms that worried her — severe headaches, neck pain, and blurred vision.

Debra’s mother, who also suffered from high blood pressure, had passed away at age 60. Debra realized that if she did not begin to take better care of her health, her life might now be more than half over.

“I wanted to live, and to live a long life,” says Debra, as she holds a treasured photograph of herself with her beloved mother, to whom she was very close.

In the photo above:
Debra Snipe, UPMC Health Plan Member

Debra scheduled an appointment with her primary care physician, Barbara Kevish, MD, to have her symptoms checked. Debra’s blood pressure reading was unusually high, and Dr. Kevish made a change in Debra’s medication. The physician assistant arranged for Cathy Grove, a practice-based care manager who works closely with Dr. Kevish’s practice, to talk with Debra on the phone.

Within two business days, Debra received a free kit from Cathy that included a user-friendly blood pressure cuff, information on high blood pressure and online programs offered by the Health Plan, a medication dispenser case, and Cathy’s contact information. The goal was to assist Debra in monitoring her blood pressure at home and to support her in making healthy lifestyle adjustments to keep her blood pressure under control.

Debra and Cathy had several phone sessions that gave Debra a good foundation for managing her blood pressure. For the next six months, Cathy checked in regularly with Debra to see how she was doing. Debra continues to use the educational information and healthy living tips she received from Cathy to help her manage her blood pressure. She has also taken advantage of other Health Plan programs, including lunch-and-learn sessions on various wellness topics and automatic online health updates.

Debra had accepted her position as a disability specialist for UPMC Work Partners in July of 2008 in part because friends had told her about the impressive package of programs and benefits offered by the Health Plan. The care and support she has received since then have more than met her expectations. “I’m proud to have UPMC Health Plan insurance. And I’m proud of the people in my circle that are keeping me on track for a healthy lifestyle.” Debra is also delighted that she can now be a role model to help others become healthier.

At her most recent check-up, Debra’s blood pressure was well-controlled and her doctor noted no problems or issues. “I feel great and am looking forward to a long and healthy life,” says Debra. “I would encourage anyone with health concerns to take advantage of the programs the Health Plan offers. The services are priceless.”